![]() ![]() From promoting artists that deserve more credit than they’re not receiving from the industry, to creating a space where everyone feels and is, comfortable. Sofar is doing the most to redefine what it means to see an artist live. No one seemed to be performing because they had been paid too.īensoul performed everyone’s favorite song, Tito Monako showed us what it means to be talented, YUBU music gave us a lesson on the connection between Blues and Reggae while Red Acapella entertained us with a profanity-laced performance that had many of us laughing long and belly-deep. In fact, many of the artists joined each other’s performances. It felt like a bunch of musicians who happen to know each other and found themselves in the same room. The performances felt natural and unrehearsed. You only know who is performing when they are right in front of you. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t make sense because the purpose of going to the concert is to see the acts. Instead, I witnessed a host of talented musicians who one by one blew me away.Īnother interesting characteristic of the Sofar experience is that the lineup is secret. For a moment, I felt like I was in high school again, waiting to hear (and enthusiastically clap for) a classmate fumbling their way through ‘Wonderwall’. At the center of the stage, there was a mic and drum set right behind it. There was enough floor space for two dozen or so people. It was hosted inside a music store, guitars hung from the walls around the room. I had the privilege of attending a Sofar gig this past Sunday. Imagine attending a concert without dozens of phones in the air? Strange, I know. The best part is, you know how every concert-goer is doing the most to record every performance like it’s a contractual obligation? Well, Sofar has a no video policy. Attendance is small and controlled so you aren’t forced to clamor to the front to see. ![]() It’s BYOB so there’s no cash bar queue blocking your way. ( Chia’s Note: I am personally salty because I applied for a ticket twice and never got an invite.)Īnother reason people are drawn to the concept of Sofar is the anti-concert experience of it all. Considering that they purposefully host a small number of people, the chances of that are slim. You first apply online, subscribe to the newsletter and if you’re lucky enough, win a ticket. Even acquiring a ticket is unconventional. Instead of a blinding light show and hundreds of roaring attendees, there’s the bulb above you and 10 other people just chilling. Instead of an elaborate stage and speakers the collective height of the NBA All-Stars, there’s a carpet and an acoustic guitar. Sofar Sounds exists as an attempt to redefine the music experience through regression and not innovation. Ten years and 433 cities later, Sofar is still the intimate experience it started as. They sat on the floor, shared a drink and listened to their friend perform. Eight people and one performer were in attendance. In 2009, Rafe Offer invited some friends to his flat in London for a gig. This is the experience Sofar Sounds brings to your city. His windswept hair accompanying that delicately strummed guitar and quiet for miles around. Hozier’s ‘Cherry Wine’ is beautiful enough with headphones on but imagine experiencing it from a rooftop. Music is a living breathing thing with varying effect and changing forms, even when it comes to a single song. The way that we listen to music is just as important as the music we listen to. ![]()
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